If there’s anything I’ve learned from covering pop music for over a decade, it’s that songwriters and collaborators are just as important as the artists themselves. Though they often work behind the scenes, this feature is a chance to shine the light on some of k-pop’s most innovative and accomplished producers and composers.

RYAN S. JHUN

Years active: 2010-present

Associated Acts: Red Velvet, Super Junior, EXO, Spica, Shinee, f(x), Produce 101

His sound: Classic pop melodies with elements of 80’s funk & r&b. Pulls in Western influences and blends with k-pop’s unique sensibilities. His diverse sound also includes EDM and rock, but always with a catchy melodic base.

Why you should love him: It’s hard to pin down one specific sound when it comes to Ryan S. Jhun. Many of his biggest works have been collaborations with other composers. But one thing’s for certain: His name on a track all but guarantees a dynamite pop song. His choruses are fleshed-out and timeless, and his production work is impeccable. Many of his songs pull from classic 80’s influences, but rather than feel like a pastiche, they modernize the era to brilliant effect.

Examples of his best work: